ADB vows to support Duterte agenda

The head of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Wednesday vowed to support President Duterte’s 10-point economic agenda and said the agency will pursue projects to help advance peace and development in Mindanao.

“I was very impressed with President Duterte’s clear messages on building confidence in public service delivery, respecting contracts and transactions already approved and awaiting implementation, removing red tape, and fighting corruption,” ADB President Takehiko Nakao said in a statement.

Nakao, who met with Mr. Duterte in Malacañang on Wednesday, said the ADB will work with the administration to promote sustainable growth, reduce poverty, and increase transparency in government affairs.

The ADB will also support peace and development in Mindanao through road infrastructure rehabilitation, the promotion of small- and medium-sized enterprises, and capacity building in local government, the official added.

Nakao said the agency will help the Duterte administration institute a more progressive tax system and effective tax administration; increase competitiveness and the ease of doing business; accelerate infrastructure development especially through public-private partnerships; promote rural development and value chains; invest in human capital through initiatives in health and education, and strengthen social protection through conditional cash transfer (CCT), among other programs.

The ADB was also working with the Mindanao Development Authority, the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, and the Bangsamoro Development Agency, Nakao added.